WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -
First round draft pick Allan Dykstra signed with the San Diego Padres about an hour before the Friday night deadline for Major League Baseball teams to sign players drafted in the 2008 MLB Draft. Senior Evan Ocheltree and incoming freshmen Austin Stadler and Daniel Marrs did not sign with the teams that drafted them and will play for Wake Forest this upcoming season.

"We're happy for Allan, because I know it had to be a stressful time for him and his family during this process," head coach Rick Rembielak said. "We're glad to see that the Padres felt confident enough to end up signing him. We wish him all the best. I think he's going to be a pretty big force in the future for San Diego."

Major League Baseball teams had until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday night to sign players drafted in the 2008 MLB Draft or lose out on the players' rights. Several first round selections waited until the final minutes before signing a professional contract.

A two-time All-ACC selection and 2006 ACC Rookie of the Year, Dykstra was taken with the 23rd pick in the 2008 MLB Draft by his hometown team, the San Diego Padres. Dykstra signed a contact worth a reported $1.15 million, as reported by Baseball America. The fifth Wake Forest player to be drafted in the first round since 1965, Dykstra led the Deacons in hitting (.323), RBIs (50), runs, home runs, slugging and on-base percentage in 2008.

Ocheltree was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 44th round, but did not sign before the deadline and will return to Winston-Salem. A three-year starter for the Deacons, Ocheltree hit .278 with five home runs and 30 RBIs in 2008. The outfielder led the team in triples with 10 and scored 25 runs on the season. Through his first three seasons, Ocheltree has hit 18 home runs and driven in 95 RBIs.

Stadler and Marrs were the 31st and 32nd Wake Forest signees to be drafted since 1989. Stadler, a first baseman, was drafted in the 40th round by the San Francisco Giants, while Marrs, a righthanded pitcher, was picked in the 24th round by the Philadelphia Phillies.

"With Austin and Daniel, I think it says a lot for getting a good foundation in the college rank and also getting an education," Rembielak said. "There are no guarantees in life, but I would imagine they will have another opportunity after three years in college. I think Evan will also have another opportunity to move on to the next level. He will be a very beneficial part of our team next season with the experience that he brings back."

Wake Forest had five players selected in the 2008 MLB Draft. Since 1965, 64 Deacons have been drafted, including nine players drafted since Rembielak arrived at Wake Forest.